The group anonymously self-released two EPs, Eagles Soar, Oil Flows and The Seven New (referred to as Shabazz Palaces and Of Light) in 2009 before becoming one of the few hip-hop acts to be signed to the Sub Pop label and releasing their debut full-length album, Black Up to wide critical acclaim in 2011. Black Up was listed #1 in Seattle Times music columnist Andrew Matson's "Local Top #10" of 2011.